Doctoral Programs

Students of exceptional ability as demonstrated in previous courses in physics and mathematics, or in the preliminary examination, may pursue a program leading to the doctoral degree. All applicants to the physics doctoral degree program must submit GRE general and physics subject test scores.

The major doctoral programs of the Physics Department are in astrophysics and atmospheric physics. A degree in mathematical physics is offered in cooperation with the mathematics department. Students may also work in other areas of physics in which the department has expertise.

The following general requirements apply to all curricula: A minimum of 50 credit hours of graduate and upper-division courses approved by the student’s committee should be taken, of which 12 credit hours must be mathematics beyond that required of an undergraduate physics major. PHYS 501 and 502 (where required below) may be waived for those students who have completed the equivalent through an experimental master’s thesis. PHYS 579, Graduate-Faculty Seminar, must be taken for the first four semesters.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

The following courses must be completed: PHYS 501 (1), 502 (1), 505 (3), 508 (3), 513 (3), 514 (3), 515 (3), 516 (3), and 579. In addition, nine credit hours of graduate physics should be completed in the student’s field of specialization.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics with Dissertation in Mathematical Physics

The mathematical physics program is operated in cooperation with the mathematics department. Dissertation supervision may be obtained in either department. Students normally pursue research based on faculty interest in one or both departments.

The following courses must be completed:

PHYS 505 (3), 513 (3), 514 (3), 515 (3), 516 (3), 579

MATH 435 (3), 438 (3), 442 (3), 471 (3), 535 (3)

Additional approved graduate and upper-division courses, including at least six credit hours from mathematics and six credit hours from physics, should be elected to bring the total to a minimum of 51 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.